The Centre for Advanced Histology and Microscopy (CAHM) underpins a multitude of cancer research projects and houses four core platforms:

Histology.
Optical Microscopy, which houses a suite of state-of-the-art high-end optical microscopes including laser scanning confocal microscopes, a multi-modal super resolution microscope and multiphoton microscope, a a dual laser multiphoton microscope, and a laser capture microscope.
Electron Microscopy, inclusive of both transmission and scanning electron microscopy
Image Analysis.
Importantly, researchers utilising CAHM receive support, training, and advice from expert technical scientists.

In addition to being head of CAHM, Associate Professor Sarah Ellis leads her own independently funded research group, investigating the role of the polarity proteins, Scribble and Par3, in the onset and progression of leukemia.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Polarity proteins control a multitude of cellular processes including apical-basal cell polarity, asymmetric cell division, planar cell polarity, migration, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We are investigating the role of two different polarity proteins, Scribble and Par3, in steady-state blood production (haematopoiesis) and leukaemia. Recent studies have revealed Scribble and Par3 act in a context dependent manner as either tumour suppressors or tumour promoters in various epithelial cancers but the roles of these proteins in blood production and blood malignancies are largely unknown.

Using inducible Scribble and Par3 knockout mouse models in conjunction with mouse models that mimic human leukaemia, we are investigating how loss of these proteins impacts on the proliferation and differentiation of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as well as their more differentiated progeny. Our studies will provide a detailed understanding of the role of Scribble and Par3 in both normal and aberrant blood production and will advance the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms driving the onset and severity of leukemia. Understanding how these proteins impact on leukemia has the potential to lead to novel therapeutic targets.